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Fujifilm Finepix XP150

Fujifilm Finepix XP150 Camera: Finepix Xp150 combining durability with style is never an easy task – particularly when developing a rugged compact like the XP150. In this case however, Fuji has triumphed, creating a well-proportioned, tough camera that still manages to look good too.

Tough enough? the flagship model headlining the trio of new rugged compacts that Fujifilm announced earlier this year of 2012 has landed. Taking the helm of the ‘just-about-everything-proof’ XP-series, the rough-tough Fujifilm FinePix XP150 looks like a real force to be reckoned with. Waterproof to a depth of 10m, shockproof when dropped from a height of up to 2m, dustproof and freezeproof down to -10 degrees Celsius, this robust compact is designed to take whatever life throws at it. In addition to its adventure-proof build quality, the XP150 sports a number of new and improved features that promise to deliver the goods when it comes to image quality too. The camera features a chunky design that clearly distinguishes it from the more petite, fashion-conscious compacts that don’t possess the same tough credentials as the XP150. That is not to say that it lacks aesthetic appeal however: available in zesty orange, classy silver, vibrant green, tasteful blue or classic black metallic finishes, the XP150 may not be dainty, but it’s no ugly duckling. Although it does offer a bulkier body compared to standard compacts, the camera remains relatively lightweight and slim enough to slip into a (large-ish) pocket.

Fujifilm Finepix XP150 Camera

Fujifilm Finepix XP150 Style statement

With curves in all the right places, the neatly sculpted outer surface of the camera incorporates a small yet very welcome rubberised front grip, helping to keep a firm purchase on the XP150 whilst shooting. The front panel also houses a built-in flash, AF-assist lamp and there’s a periscopic-design internal lens stowed behind a protective glass cover. The top of the camera features a soft-touch black coating that houses a set of smart silver controls. There’s a small zoom lever alongside a large shutter release, power button and a tiny dedicated GPS switch that offers direct access to one of the camera’s headline features. Around the back, the WP150 offers a slightly smaller-than-average 2.7-inch LCD which – at 230,000-dots – isn’t the highest resolution screen we’ve experienced. The live view image can look a little grainy when shooting in low light. However – in its favour – the screen does offer a very wide viewing angle and features an effective anti-reflective coating that helps to maintain a good level of visibility under brighter lighting conditions. To the right of the LCD there’s a well- proportioned set of buttons that contribute to the easy operation of the camera. There’s a slightly recessed dedicated movie record
button above the raised, lightly textured four- way d-pad.

The latter proves simple to locate and operate, thanks to its shape and size, and provides quick shortcuts to the delete/exposure compensation, flash, self-timer and macro options. A dedicated playback button and small Disp./Back button complete the set. To the right-hand side of these controls there’s a large silver-coloured handle-shaped piece of metal for attaching a lanyard or the provided wrist strap to. The right-hand end panel on the XP150 offers a similarly-finished silver door that features not
one, but two locks to ensure it’s properly secured at all times. In order to access what’s inside, you
need to flip down each lock in turn to release it. Underneath, there’s the battery compartment,
memory card slot plus USB and HDMI ports. All in all, the WP150 feels solid, well-made and – unlike some of its tough competitors – doesn’t sacrifice style for functionality.The buttons are well-placed and simple to operate, while the menu system is easy to navigate and clearly laid out.There’s no mode dial or any further dedicated controls to speak of, so much of the process of switching modes and altering settings requires you to enter the main menu system.This is a slower way of working by comparison, however Fuji’s no- nonsense approach to their menus helps to keep things moving when you’re making changes. When it comes to exposure modes, there are plenty to choose from. On the up-side, there’s a good range of automatic and scene modes to explore (although this does mean it can take a little while to scroll through them all and find the one that you want), but more advanced users only get a Program mode, with no scope for any further manual control. That said, this camera is really geared towards simplifying the shooting.

experience, allowing you to concentrate on timing your shots and the adventure you’re embarking on at the time, and as such the lack of any in-depth manual control is appropriate in this case. As previously mentioned, the Fujinon-branded lens that the XP150 offers is internally integrated and protected with a robust cover and water-repellent coating. The fact that it doesn’t protrude from the front of the camera means that there’s no chance of any dust/moisture getting into the mechanism offering better all-round protection from the elements. The lens features a maximum aperture range of f3.9-4.9 – not the fastest on the market but pretty respectable nonetheless, while sensor-shift image stabilisation helps to compensate to some degree when shooting with the lens at its maximum telephoto setting and/or in low light. Providing a 5x optical zoom range (equivalent to 28-140mm on a 35mm camera) means you’re covered for most common everyday shooting situations too.

(With plenty of protective measures built into this
rugged camera’s design – not least the secure
battery/card compartment door with its dual-locking
mechanism – you can rest assured that the XP150 can
withstand a fair amount of punishment.)

Tough cookie

Further measures to guard the XP150 against the elements include what Fuji calls a ‘bumper’ design: a chunky soft-touch finish outer rim that protects the top, bottom and one side, as well as that double-locking battery/card compartment on the fourth side. On top of its tough build, the XP150 incorporates a number of high-end features that add to its overall appeal. Full HD movies with monaural sound are possible, with this feature being accessed via that dedicated movie button on the back of the camera. Results are crisp, with the camera’s new processor helping to control distortion and smearing while panning.

A Motion Panorama 360 mode is a most welcome facet of the camera’s design too, allowing you to simply sweep the camera across the scene you want to capture and in a few seconds you have an automatically stitched panorama that’s ready to print. Another headline feature is a built-in GPS system with in-camera geo-tagging capability, so you can keep track of precisely where and when each of your photos was taken, in addition to making use of the innovative electronic compass and Photo Navigation functions that the system also enables. In use, the AF system proves pretty responsive, with the bright LED AF-assist lamp on the front helping to keep it from becoming too sluggish in low light – particularly useful when you’re shooting underwater. The metering system is similarly consistent, producing even exposures under most conditions, with a respectable dynamic range.